A package greeted me at the door today after work. Surprisingly it was the Northwest 25D model I had ordered. I figured we would receive them after the Toy Truck'n Construction show.
Check out some photos:
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3831467709_e9739427d1_b.jpg)
The Box Front
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3486/3832263082_d0d82b1c15_b.jpg)
Rear of the box. Nice touch with the history.
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3831468019_4cfefe38fa_b.jpg)
In the packaging
![](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3832263318_4c41475c7a_b.jpg)
Removed from the packaging with all strings put back on the shieves. First thing one may notice is the missing fairlead for the drag cable. Next take a look at the bucket's rigging. The dump string approaching the bucket from the front is tied in a knot around the arch
![d'oh!](/images/emoticons/eusa_doh.gif)
This makes dumping the bucket impossible without cutting (it's glued) and re-stringing the dump cable.
Next take a look inside the cab. These are the only 2 locations for a key to control the string... for a 3-string function model. On a Northwest the 2 main drums are side-by-side. SpecCast took a shortcut on the model and made the drums 1 single plastic piece, so 2 functions are controlled at once. Instead of the 2 functions being hoist and drag like on the actual machine, the functions are boom hoist(!) and drag. So as you drag in the bucket, the boom raises, and vice versa when paying out the bucket. The smaller other drum that should normally control boom hoist instead controls the bucket hoist for the model.
![](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3832263386_3b09321405_o.jpg)
Front of the model. The 2 main drums are 1 single piece.
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/3831467127_7ed6206f8f_o.jpg)
Great details on the inside of the cab with the sliding door opened.
![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/3832262652_e525577d77_o.jpg)
Nice logo on the counterweight.
![](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/3831467437_1a25fcf346_b.jpg)
Next to the Smith Northwest 95 pullshovel
![](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/3832262306_5237ac1a77_b.jpg)
The Northwest model family.
The entire gallery can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40369611@N02/sets/72157621945283119/So aside from a very detailed and nice-looking model, it has some serious rigging flaws. Is this the cable-excavator equivalent of a Norscot 320C? I think so!
I wonder if I can get my money back from SpecCast? Who am I kidding though, I'll complain about it, but still keep it displayed on my shelf.
I am looking forward to the Toy Truck'n Construction show to give SpecCast my input on the model, for what it's worth. I wonder how many people will be able to enjoy the model for it's dysfunctional functioning.
- Alex